New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Faust Street Bridge
Among the last wrought iron bridges built in Texas and one of the first long-term toll-free structures completed over a major waterway in the state, this monumental truss structure extends more than 640 feet in length. It is comprised of two main spans, known as Pratt (Whipple) truss spans, flanked by two smaller spans. The Whipple was a variation on the more typical Pratt truss style bridge design which enjoyed brief but explosive popularity in the mid- to late-19th century. These trusses are connected by a pin-and-hanger system, which was the common method of the time. The spans are supported by oval-shaped masonry piers with rusticated stonework and pointed, or "cut-water," ends.
In 1917, the Texas Highway Department designated the Faust Street bridge to serve as a major crossing for all traffic between Austin and San Antonio on State Highway 2, formerly the Austin-San Antonio post road. In 1934, a new concrete highway bridge was erected nearby. The Faust Street bridge continued to serve local traffic until it was damaged by fire in 1979.
Its unique design, using a combination of Pratt and Whipple truss types, and its wrought iron construction place the Faust Street bridge among the important historic bridges in the state.
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12509.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 29° 41.817′ N, 98° 6.495′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker is on Faust Street Bridge (pedestrian and cyclists only) east of Sanger Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Braunfels TX 78130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Near River Crossing Used by New Braunfels' First Settlers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 0.4 miles away); Texas Germans in the Civil War (approx. half a mile away); Old Scholl House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Home of Ferdinand Lindheimer (approx. 0.7 miles away); Johann Michael Jahn (approx. 0.7 miles away); New Braunfels Woolen Mill (approx. ¾ mile away); Dr. Theodore Koester Home (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 452 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.